At Louisville it's all about the rookie and veteran players working together. With returning star players in Molly Sauer, Tess Clark and Janelle Jenkins — and an impressive group of freshmen — Louisville head coach Anne Kordes responded with excitement about the 2016 season as they prepared for the Bowling Green Tournament Aug. 26-27.
HERO: Which players will log significant minutes for your team this year?
Kordes: Returning ACC FOY [freshman of the year] and Defensive player of the year, Molly Sauer, will return as one of the best liberos in the ACC. Middle Blocker, Tess Clark, is back as a two-year starter, as well as Janelle Jenkins as a three-year starter.
HERO: What will be the biggest difference between this year's team and last year's team?
Kordes: We will be young, but we have depth in positions. I'm excited to see how these young players will make the transition to the college game. They are fired up, in great shape, and strong, so it should be a lot of fun watching them take off.
HERO: Which newcomers do you think will make the biggest impact for your team this season?
Kordes: I think both Freshmen, Megan Sloan and Melanie McHenry could have big roles for us right away. They both came from strong club programs and they are both kids that are used to winning.
HERO: Which players do you expect to lead the team this season?
Kordes: We haven't voted for captains yet, we'll wait until the first week of pre-season is concluded. In the spring we've leaned on Janelle Jenkins and Eleni Georgiafandis as team leaders.
HERO: Is there one game you have circled on your calendar as your 'Game of the Year'?
Kordes: Yes.The NCAA Finals. I can't wait to play that match.
HERO: Is there anything else you want fans to know about your team?
Kordes: We play in the nation's best arena — which is the KFC YUM!, located in the center of downtown Louisville. Also, all of our matches are live streamed on Cards TV, which you can find at GOCARDS.com. I invite you to watch our team this year as they are a competitive and fiery group!
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BR-23 LOUISVILLE CARDINALS WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL SNAPSHOT
2015 Conference: 18-2, 1st in ACC
2015 Overall: 25-7, Round 2
2016 Projection: No. 4, ACC
(Photos Courtesy: Louisville Athletics)
